Strong winter winds made our flight into Montreal speedy, and before long, our driver whisked us through the snowy streets to our charming hotel in the heart of Old Montreal. We explored the cobblestone streets without dinner reservations and let the city guide us on this brisk Thursday evening. Around 5:30 PM, the streets were alight with festive Christmas decorations, and restaurants were buzzing with patrons. Craving steak frites, one sign near our hotel caught our eye, but eager to stretch our legs after the flight, we wandered further before doubling back to try our luck.
We entered Mignon, a restaurant with warm lighting, red leather-lined seats, and tall windows that gave diners a cozy view of the softly falling snow outside. A sign we noticed earlier hinted at a “Negroni bar,” and, as we would discover later, this was no exaggeration. But first, we were ready for a comforting dinner to kick off our Montreal adventure.
The Food and Wine Experience: Hits and Misses
Our friendly waiter, Valentin, welcomed us in French before seamlessly switching to what I affectionately call “Frenglish”—a delightful blend of English with a French accent. Without hesitation, we ordered starters: burrata with pumpkin seeds and a small olive plate, paired with a bottle of Domaine du Colombier, Crozes-Hermitage Syrah. The wine was beautifully decanted into a carafe, signaling a promising start.
Starters:
- Burrata: Unexpectedly creative! Adding butternut squash and a hint of pasilla chili gave this dish a unique twist beyond traditional Italian-style burrata. A definite standout.
- Olive Plate: Served in a petite cast iron skillet, the olives were vibrant and adorned with red peppers. I was slightly disappointed they weren’t warm, but the presentation was charming.
Main Course:
The much-anticipated steak frites fell short of expectations. It arrived pre-sliced, which felt unusual, and the accompanying sauce lacked the flavor needed to elevate the dish. The crispy fries, however, were a highlight, especially as they soaked up some of the sauce. While not stellar, we enjoyed them after a glass or two of wine.
Hospitality That Made the Night
What the food lacked, Mignon’s staff more than made up for with exceptional service. Valentin was attentive, addressing the delay of our main course with genuine apologies. The team’s warmth extended beyond the meal itself—when we declined dessert, Valentin invited us downstairs to explore the hidden speakeasy dedicated to negronis. This moody, underground bar exuded character and style, making it a must-visit for any cocktail lover. I treated myself to their signature negroni, and it was flawless—a perfect nightcap.
Even as we prepared to leave, Mignon’s staff surprised us again. I wanted to enjoy a cigar to end the night, but without a lighter, it appeared impossible. The team went above and beyond, scouring the premises to find matches and a lighter, ensuring the evening ended on the highest note possible.
Quick Reference: Mignon Restaurant
- Address: 101 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z5
- Type of Cuisine: Steakhouse with a French twist
- Price Range: $$$ (High-end, with most mains $35-50)
- Reservation Required: Not for early evenings, but recommended
- Website: Visit Mignon Here
- Must-Try Feature: The downstairs speakeasy Negroni bar
Final Thoughts
Mignon captures the essence of Old Montreal with its inviting ambiance, attentive staff, and unique hidden speakeasy. While the food has room for improvement, the warmth of the service makes this spot worth visiting, especially for its creative cocktails and burrata starter. As Montreal’s winter winds swirled outside, this charming spot provided a perfect balance of comfort and festive intrigue—ideal for a cozy evening in one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods.
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